IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Social Media

Social media questions invite opinions. Describe your own use honestly, then give a balanced view with an example on each side.

Practise social media questions now

Social Media questions

Which social media platform do you use the most?
Do you think social media has a positive or negative impact on society?
What is your opinion on influencers and their role on social media?
Have you ever taken a break from social media? Why or why not?
What are some pros and cons of using social media?

Sample answers

Which social media platform do you use the most?

The one I use most is a photo-sharing app. I mainly follow friends and a few travel and cooking accounts. I post quite rarely, maybe once a month, but I scroll through it every day, probably more than I should.

Have you ever taken a break from social media? Why or why not?

Yes, I took a two-week break last year during my exams. I noticed I was picking up my phone without thinking every few minutes, so I deleted the apps. It was hard for the first few days, but afterwards I felt calmer and slept better.

Original examples written for SpeakingIELTS. Notice the pattern—a direct answer, then a reason or detail—and use your own true information. Do not memorise them.

Useful words and phrases

more than I should
scroll through
without thinking
take a break from
carefully edited
it depends on how you use it

Common mistakes

Only saying "it's good and bad" without examples.
Saying "I use Instagram" without describing how or why.
Overusing "addicted"; try "I spend too much time on it" or "I check it constantly".

Practise it now

Answer each question above aloud in 20–30 seconds, or start a timed session that begins with social media and adds two other random topics, just like the real test. Record yourself, listen once, and check your answers with the self-evaluation checklist.

Start a timed Part 1 session